Azzo VII of Este

Azzo d'Este (1205-16 February 1264) was a condotierro who served as the military captain of the Papal States under Pope Urban IV. He was the Marquis of Ferrara from 1215 to 1264, succeeding Azzo VI of Este and preceding Obizzo II of Este.

Biography
Azzo d'Este was from the House of Este, a dynasty of Catholic Italians. He was the son of Azzo VI of Este, and he led the March of Ancona's Guelphs against the forces of Emperor Frederick II of Germany. In 1242 he captured Ferrara from Ezzelino III da Romano and defeated him at the Battle of Cassano in 1259. He served Pope Urban IV as his military captain until his death on 16 February 1264.